Thailand’s participation at the 7th Bali Democracy Forum

On 10 October 2014, Mr. Manasvi Srisodapol, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Thai delegation to attend the 7th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) under the theme ‘Evolving Regional Democratic Architecture: The Challenges of Political Development, Public Participation, and Socio-Economic Progress in the 21st Century”, which was held in Bali, Indonesia. Delegates from 85 countries in the Asia-Pacific region as well as Europe and America were also presented at the Forum, including 4 at the heads of state and heads of government level and 14 at the ministerial level. 

Mr. Manasvi Srisodapol reaffirmed that Thailand remains fully committed to democracy, a democracy that is based on good governance, accountability, rule of law, and human rights. He updated the meeting of political developments in Thailand since last year’s BDF, which the turmoil and series of events have made intervention necessary. He informed the meeting that Thailand is in transition and currently working on reforms and reconciliation to put the country back on track towards a stronger democracy.  He also reiterated the importance that countries in the region lend each other a helping hand to encourage a smooth transition to a more sustainable democracy to help shape the evolving regional democratic architecture that is beneficial to everyone.

The BDF was initiated back in 2008 by Professor Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, with an aim to promote cooperation and dialogue in order to strengthen the political and democratic development in the region. The BDF discussion is based on openness, constructive debate, and sharing of experiences. Dr.Yudhoyono’s opening statement at the 7th BDF focused on democratic challenges faced by nations as well as rising conflicts and political transition in some countries. Dr.Yudhoyono praised the recent successful general elections carried out in Indonesia and expressed his wish that the BDF will continue its relevancy and complementarity in the promotion of democracy in the region.